Does anyone have experiece with Paxil used to help with ADHD as opposed to the stimulant route? My doctor has suggested that our son might do better on this anti-depressant as it helps with regulation issues. Based on our son’s other issues (SI dysfunction and Asergers), that stimulants would exacerbate his ADHD symptoms. I am scared to death of giving my 7 1/2 year old son any medication and while ritalin is scary, I know it has been around for a lot longer than Paxil and the others (Prozac, Zoloft) and it is not even indicated for children.
I would appreciate any thoughts….
Re: Paxil
I have a friend who finds it helps her — but I’m not sure exactly what symptoms it addresses. This is the stuff that one of the network news magazines did a section on, concerning the very serious problems people sometimes have withdrawing from it.
Re: Paxil
Yes, my son tried Paxil and he had a horrible time. He never felt well while on it and even worse getting off. That totally turned him off of anti-depressants. But he was taking it for depression. He took Ritalin for ADD. (I thought Wellbutrin was the only anti-depressant that was also effective for ADD). Our doctors never suggested that Paxil or Zoloft could control the ADD as well as depression. And in his experience, they did not help ADD at all.
Janis
Re: Paxil
My son takes Paxil for anxiety due of chronic medical trauma. Paxil is really good for anxiety and if your child needs it, it can be a blessing. But I’ve never heard of it helping with attention issues (unless they’re caused by anxiety—it’s hard to concentrate when you’re anxious)!
My son also had some ADHD behaviors. The most useful thing we’ve done is put him on essential fatty acids (EFAs). You might want to read Jacqueline Stordy’s book, “The LCP [long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids] Solution: The Remarkable Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.” You can get it on amazon.com and other places. She has a web site: drstordy.com
Anyway essential fatty acids are essential nutrients that the brain needs and if one eats a typical American diet, one probably doesn’t get enough. My son takes a product called Efalex but there are many to choose from. Read the book and you’ll have a wealth of information.
I know of a child, ADD-inattentive who didn’t respond to Ritalin but she has been doing well on Zoloft for about a year now. Paxil has helped my ADD-Inattentive mom handle stress better but it didn’t help her with organization.